Only one player in Kentucky Basketball history has been a member of three national championship squads. Walter “Walt” Hirsch, who played for Adolph Rupp from 1948-51, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92. He was on the 1948, 1949, and 1951 title teams. In addition to basketball, Hirsch was a first baseman on Kentucky’s baseball team.
A 6’4″ forward, Hirsch played in 13 games for the 1948 champions, scoring 37 total points. He averaged 4.6 points in 34 appearances for the 1949 title winners and played in 30 games during the 1951 season, averaging 9.1 points per game.